Granted I can’t see the shards that pierce your heart ; But I can feel the pain.
Don’t sit there all alone on the island of your sorrow ; Hold my hand.
I promise I won’t ask anything – the pregnant silence has a story to tell.
Let’s just sit here together and care and share.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Tomorrow is Independence day, a day for the illusionists. The government, like David Blaine, would try to create an illusion of well being against the backdrop of corruption of unbelievable proportion, rising prices, uncontrolled violence and inefficient governance.The spin doctors in the congress are better in spinning than even our spin bowlers. But even they would find it hard to look convincing with a PM who can even put coffee to sleep. India Today has come up with an opinion poll which shows that only 1 % people support the PM. show me those 1% and I will show you the reason why we have bad governments year after year. ( I was proud to see that most citizens considered Dr. Abdul Kalaam as their role model)So is there really anything to celebrate? should we then put an end to this farce of celebrating our Independence day? My answer is a resounding no. here is the reason why.Long back I was in Lome, the capital of Togo, a small country in West Africa. My escort had done a real good job. So I wanted to take him for a drink. I was shocked ,though, when they stopped him at the entrance of a five star hotel. No natives allowed. I pleaded in vain. Finally, we went to an African joint. The locals there were shocked to see a foreigner. But when my escort explained, there was a big cheer. I had a great time there and came out glassy eyed with all the beer those kind hearted people offered.This story becomes poignant when you are celebrating your Independence day.We may have many drawbacks. There’s a lot which needs to change. But thank our stars. We are free.I am unhappy with my government. But I have freedom to protest. I can write whatever I want. I only understood the value of it when I went to Africa and saw what was happening in Kenya or Togo or Zimbabwe. Later when I went to Venezuela, I felt the same gratitude for living in a free country. one word against Chavez, the dictator, and you will be arrested. But are we really free? No we aren’t. What does freedom mean to me? For me freedom means being free from poverty, free from hunger, free from disease and free from illiteracy.We are angry today. But does our anger give us the freedom to act irresponsibly.Freedom brings responsibilities . My dad was smart. We never had any restrictions when we were growing. But we never ever crossed our limits. Not because we were angels. Far from that . we were little devils willing to try anything out. But every time we tried to say sneak out for a movie, or smoke with friends or had booze parties, some where something tugged at our heart strings. We were outsmarted by a wise man I guess! If it worked in a home, why cant it work in a country. if we are unhappy with a government, we have the option of choosing another one. Violent protests or trolling on the internet is definitely not the answer. We got our independence thanks to the sweat and blood of a lot of people. we are where we are today because of the hard work of a lot of people. The architects of our nation, the planners , the builders, our able defence officers , scientists, sportsmen , musicians, writers, actors and above all the unsung heroes, the common men and women of the country. They withstood hardships, they withstood attacks but never gave up. We bow our head to all.Does that mean I will listen to our PM’s Speech. Yes I would. But only late in the night. I am an insomniac. As I said , he can put even coffee to sleep. Let him at least earn a day’s wage. Sounds cruel? It is the sad truth.I am an atheist. But when I see this government, I want to believe in the power of God. It is His benevolence that we are still alive!